Course Descriptions – Natural Sciences

WSU Tech offers many transferable general education courses. Here is a list of course descriptions – natural sciences classes, many offered in class or online by WSU Tech.

*Course has been approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for transfer as a direct equivalent at all public postsecondary institutions in Kansas.

BIO 100 Biology Review 1 Cr Hr

This course is designed to help the students increase their knowledge concerning basic biological concepts. It is not intended to replace BIO110 Principles of Biology. Recommended for students planning to take BIO150 Human Anatomy & Physiology or BIO160 Microbiology who have not had a recent life science course, or students wishing to prepare for BIO110 Principles of Biology. This course is graded on a pass/fail scale so students will not be receiving a grade. Students must score 70% of the available points to pass the class.

BIO 110 Principles of Biology 5 Cr Hrs*

An introduction to fundamental biological concepts that includes molecular biology, cellular structure and function, human biology, and ecology. Students will have an understanding of the nature of science, levels of organization, bioenergetics, reproduction, inheritance, and the mechanisms of change. Laboratory stresses the process of scientific investigation and observation of biological processes.

BIO 120 Environmental Biology 3 Cr Hrs*

An interdisciplinary study of the environment investigating how nature works and how things are interconnected. Based on an understanding of ecological concepts and principles, students examine lifestyle issues and critically analyze the relationship among population, natural resources, land use, agriculture, biodiversity, industrialization and pollution. Environmental problems are examined from scientific, ethical, economic and sociological perspectives to enable students to understand the relevance of biology to contemporary issues in human society.

BIO 130 Biology I 5 Cr Hrs*

A study of the fundamental concepts in cellular and molecular biology, that lead to further studies in the diversity of life. Emphasis in lab is placed on the biological functions that define life, including basic biochemistry, cell and membrane functions, bioenergetics, reproduction and genetics, and phylogeny and evolution.

BIO 135 Biology II 5 Cr Hrs*

A study of the fundamental concepts of biology as they apply to levels of organization, from the bacteria through the vertebrates, and ecosystems. Lecture emphasis is on the organization, physiology, and diversity of life as studied through the kingdoms. Laboratory work emphasizes the structural comparison of major kingdoms and phyla.

BIO 150 Human Anatomy & Physiology 5 Cr Hrs*

A detailed study of the structure and function of the human body. Laboratory work includes tissue examination, basic physiological experiments and structural identification of all organ systems.

BIO 151 Human Anatomy & Physiology Enhancement 1 Cr Hr

This course provides for an elaboration of either the anatomy or the physiology of foundation topics presented in BIO150 Human Anatomy and Physiology. Topics can include cell structure and function, muscular system, nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive systems and/or urogenital system. This course is graded on a pass/fail scale and no letter grade will be given. Passing credit will be awarded when the student satisfactorily completes a minimum of 75% of the content assigned for this course. Note: Core content may vary by semester as dictated by student learning assessments. Additional topic lists may be distributed each semester as instructors are not restricted from adding topics for enrichment.

BIO 160 Microbiology 5 Cr Hrs

An introduction to microorganisms and their morphology, physiology, genetics and distribution. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of microorganisms to disease and the human immune responses. Techniques involving staining, culturing, identifying and biochemistry are considered in laboratory.

CHM 100 Chemistry Review 1 Cr Hr

Introduces basic concepts covered in CHM 125 Chemistry I. It is recommended for students who want to enroll in Chemistry I or a higher-level chemistry course the following semester. It is not recommended for those taking CHM 110 General Chemistry.

CHM 110 General Chemistry 5 Cr Hrs*

An introduction to chemistry that includes the study of matter, atoms, molecules, chemical arithmetic, chemical reactions, gas laws, acids and bases, organic chemistry and laboratory experimentation.

CHM 125 Chemistry I 5 Cr Hrs*

An introduction to inorganic chemistry with emphasis on atomic structure, molecular bonding and structure, the periodic table, kinetic theory, changes of state, solutions and concentrations, chemical reactions and oxidation-reduction and fundamental organic chemistry. Includes laboratory experimentation.

CHM 135 Chemistry II 5 Cr Hrs*

A continuation of CHM 125 Chemistry I. A presentation of the properties of solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, thermodynamics, coordination chemistry, organic and biochemistry and electrochemistry. Includes laboratory experimentation.

GEO 101 Principles of Geography 3 Cr Hrs*

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction of how geography influences social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental systems. Students will gain an understanding of how modern technology and global human ecology shape our knowledge of land, environment, and culture.

PHS 110 Physical Science 5 Cr Hrs*

A non-technical course intended for students who are majoring in fields other than science. The application of scientific knowledge to daily life activities is emphasized by examining the fundamental principles in physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy utilizing the scientific method.

PHS 120 General Physics I 5 Cr Hrs*

Topics include mechanics — linear motion, rotational motion, force, work, energy, momentum and conservation principles; heat-temperature, ideal gas, eating as a form of energy, first law of thermodynamics, second law of thermodynamics and entropy; and wave motion — simple harmonic motion, elasticity and the wave equation. This class is designed for students who need five hours of physics without calculus.

PHS 125 General Physics II 5 Cr Hrs*

A continuation of PHS 120 General Physics I. Topics include electricity and magnetism — electric potential, current electric power, magnetic field and induction; optics — nature of light and wave optics; and modern physics — special relativity, atomic structure, quantum mechanics and radioactivity. This class is taught in the spring of the year.

*Course has been approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for transfer as a direct equivalent at all public postsecondary institutions in Kansas.

There is a growing list of courses approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for guaranteed transfer among all Kansas public postsecondary institutions. Click here for more information.

WSU Tech will be closed and classes will be canceled Wednesday, Dec. 5 in observance of the National Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush.

Weather update: All classes are canceled and college offices will be closed Thursday, Feb. 7. For events at the college, contact the event organizer for more information. WSU Tech will resume its normal schedule on Friday, Feb. 8.